Beginning the journey into the big wide world of employment is a daunting thought for many teenagers. For a young person with a disability this notion can be even more stressful as they tackle extra barriers on their pathway to independence.
But our children’s future is also very stressful for parents, and it was this cause of stress that led to the establishment of STEPS Group Australia 26 years ago. Brought together by their concern for the lack of services available to their children, one group of parents decided to do something about it. And so STEPS was formed to help school leavers with a disability make the transition from school to work as smooth as possible.
All these years later STEPS have grown to become a national organisation offering a range of specialist employment services, training programs, and social and community initiatives. But supporting school leavers take that important step into employment remains high on the STEPS agenda.
Today STEPS work with teenagers with a wide range of disabilities in there final year of school to help build the skills and experience needed for post school employment. STEPS provide preparatory support ranging from job readiness workshops, to assistance with gaining work experience, school based traineeships and apprenticeships
STEPS Employment Consultant Kelly Paton, who works with schools and students to meet each student’s individual needs and aspirations, said the smooth transition from school to work was critical.
“Introducing students early to what the “real life” looks like rather than simply letting kids finish school and figure it out for themselves makes a huge difference to a school leavers’ immediate future, which resonates into their longer term prospects”, Ms Paton said.
“Preparing for the transition in advance increases students’ skills and confidence and plays a crucial role in ensuring young individuals reach their career goals”.
If your child has a disability and is about to enter into their final year of high school study, or you want to know more about how we can help young people find work, call us today on 1300 078 377 or click here to find out more Eligible School Leavers.
